Chelsea have moved ahead of AC Milan in the race to land Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain, after offering the Argentine a £120,000-a-week contract.

Higuain is surplus to requirements at the Turin club, following their £90million capture of Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

And the Blues ' new boss Maurizio Sarri wants to link up again with the 30-year-old, after working with him at Napoli three seasons ago.

Higuain plundered a staggering 36 goals in 35 league starts during their one campaign together, earning himself a £77m move to Juve.

Juventus are set to cash in on Higuain after signing Cristiano Ronaldo this summer... (Image: Reuters)

...and a look at the stats from his last season with Sarri will have Chelsea fans drooling (Image: AAP via PA)

Milan moved into the frame when the striker made it clear he would prefer to stay in Italy if he leaves the Serie A champions.

But they have tabled an offer than would see the former River Plate and Real Madrid favourite paid only around £80,000-a-week.

And that has boosted Chelsea's hopes of sealing a double deal worth around £90m with Juventus to sign both him and defender Daniele Rugani.

Chelsea could also sign Rugani from the Italian champions in a double deal (Image: Getty)

Last last week, Juve CEO Giuseppe Marotta opened the door to a Higuian move, when he told Sky Italia: "I won't deny that with the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo we've got a quality attacking department that's a bit crowded.

"We are talking to Higuain and trying to decide what's the best solution for everyone. There is huge respect for the player."

His arrival at Stamford Bridge could see Alvaro Morata, last summer's £67m club-record £67m signing leave. The Spain international has been linked with both Milan and former club Juventus.